U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy Louisiana Offices
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11/23/2020 1:55 PM SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 1 Guidance and information to share with elected officials and constituents during and after a federally declared disaster. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy Louisiana Offices 3600 Jackson Street Suite 115A Alexandria, LA 71303 Phone: (318) 448-7176 Fax: (318) 448-5175 5555 Hilton Ave. Suite 100 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: (225) 929-7711 Fax: (225) 929-7688 101 La Rue France Suite 505 Lafayette, LA 70508 Phone: (337) 261-1400 Fax: (337) 261-1490 1 Lakeshore Drive Suite 1155 Lake Charles, LA 70629 Phone: (337) 493-5398 Fax: (337) 493-5629 3421 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 204 Metairie, LA 70002 Phone: (504) 838-0130 Fax: (504) 838-0133 1651 Louisville Ave Suite 123 Monroe, LA 70201 Phone: (318) 324-2111 Fax: (318)324-2197 6425 Youree Dr. Suite 415 Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: (318) 798-3215 Fax: (318) 798-6959
Transcript of U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy Louisiana Offices
11/23/2020 1:55 PM
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 1
Guidance and information to share with elected officials and constituents during and after a federally declared disaster.
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy
Louisiana Offices
3600 Jackson Street Suite 115A Alexandria, LA 71303 Phone: (318) 448-7176 Fax: (318) 448-5175
5555 Hilton Ave. Suite 100 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: (225) 929-7711 Fax: (225) 929-7688
101 La Rue France Suite 505 Lafayette, LA 70508 Phone: (337) 261-1400 Fax: (337) 261-1490
1 Lakeshore Drive Suite 1155 Lake Charles, LA 70629 Phone: (337) 493-5398 Fax: (337) 493-5629
3421 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 204 Metairie, LA 70002 Phone: (504) 838-0130 Fax: (504) 838-0133
1651 Louisville Ave Suite 123 Monroe, LA 70201 Phone: (318) 324-2111 Fax: (318)324-2197
6425 Youree Dr. Suite 415 Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: (318) 798-3215 Fax: (318) 798-6959
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Contents
Federal and State Declarations........................................................................................................ 5
FEMA Disaster Declaration for Louisiana – Laura .................................................................... 5
SBA Disaster Declaration for Louisiana – Laura ....................................................................... 5
Disaster Data and Imagery – Laura ............................................................................................ 5
Key Disaster Numbers (Updated by FEMA on Mondays) – Laura............................................ 6
FEMA Disaster Declaration for Louisiana – Delta..................................................................... 6
SBA Disaster Declaration for Louisiana – Delta ........................................................................ 7
Key Disaster Numbers (Updated by FEMA on Mondays) – Delta ............................................ 8
How Can My Parish Be Added To The Declaration?................................................................. 8
Status of FEMA Disaster Relief Fund ........................................................................................ 8
Parishes Seeking Federal Declaration ......................................................................................... 9
Mosquito Abatement ................................................................................................................. 11
Public Assistance (Limited to Category A and B) ........................................................................ 12
Assistance for Individuals and Businesses ................................................................................... 13
About Federal Disaster Assistance ........................................................................................... 13
Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) .......................... 14
Duplication of Benefits (DOB) ................................................................................................. 14
Registering with FEMA for Individual Assistance ................................................................... 14
Assistance to Individuals and Households Offered by FEMA ................................................. 15
Appeal Rights: .......................................................................................................................... 18
Missing FEMA Checks ............................................................................................................. 19
Shelters ...................................................................................................................................... 19
Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) (Governor has only requested THUs for Laura) ... 19
Temporary Housing Units (THUs) ........................................................................................... 19
Other Shelter/Housing Options ................................................................................................. 20
Disaster Recovery Centers ........................................................................................................ 21
Blue Roof Program ................................................................................................................... 22
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans Assistance .................................. 24
SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center ................................................................. 25
SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRC) .................................................................................. 25
Immediate Unmet Needs and Assistance in non-Federal Declared Parishes ........................... 26
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (Food Stamps) Program (D-SNAP) ................... 26
Disaster Unemployment Assistance ......................................................................................... 27
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Medical Needs .......................................................................................................................... 28
Assistance for Individuals Homeless Prior to Disaster ............................................................. 30
Help for Individuals and Business with Finances ......................................................................... 31
General Financial Issues ........................................................................................................... 31
Mortgage Issues ........................................................................................................................ 31
Student Loans............................................................................................................................ 33
Taxes ......................................................................................................................................... 33
Help for Individuals and Businesses with Rebuilding and Replacing Items ................................ 37
Consumer Protection and Tips .................................................................................................. 37
Report Fraud ............................................................................................................................. 37
Tips of Hiring a Contractor ....................................................................................................... 37
Mold Remediation .................................................................................................................... 38
Clean Up Advice ....................................................................................................................... 39
Free Cleanup Help and Volunteer Opportunity ........................................................................ 39
Other Federal Home Repair Financing Programs ..................................................................... 39
Recently Damaged Properties ................................................................................................... 43
Substantially Damaged Properties ............................................................................................ 44
Repairs to Damaged Land and Infrastructure ........................................................................... 49
FEMA Individual Assistance for Damaged Vehicles ............................................................... 50
Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents in Louisiana ............................................................. 50
Legal Assistance ....................................................................................................................... 52
Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................................... 55
The National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS) ............................ 55
American Red Cross Safe and Well.......................................................................................... 55
Volunteer or Donations Opportunities ...................................................................................... 55
Contracting Opportunities ......................................................................................................... 56
Reinterment ............................................................................................................................... 57
Agriculture Assistance (Not Available At This Time) ................................................................. 58
Crop Insurance .......................................................................................................................... 58
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) ............................................................ 58
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) .. 59
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) ................................................................................ 60
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) ......................................................................................... 60
Tree Assistance Program (TAP) ............................................................................................... 61
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Farm Service Agency Emergency Loan Program .................................................................... 61
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Federal and State Declarations
FEMA Disaster Declaration for Louisiana – Laura On August 28, 2020, Emergency Declaration (EM) 3538 was replaced by Disaster Declaration (DR)
4559. The following is provided under DR-4559:
Individual Assistance (IA)
Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, La Salle,
Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, St. Landry, Union, Vermilion,
Vernon, and Winn Parishes.
Public Assistance (PA), Category A (debris removal)
Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula,
Claiborne, DeSoto, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, LaSalle, Lafayette, Lincoln,
Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, St.
Mary, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Webster, West Feliciana, and Winn Parishes.
Public Assistance (PA), Category B (emergency protective measures)
All Parishes.
Public Assistance (PA), Category C – G (permanent work / repairs)
Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Bienville, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Evangeline, Grant,
Iberia, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, La Salle, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita,
Pointe Coupee, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, Rapides, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Webster, West
Feliciana, and Winn Parishes
Hazard Mitigation (HM)
All areas of the State.
SBA Disaster Declaration for Louisiana – Laura On August 29, 2020, the SBA issued a Disaster Declaration making SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
and Economic Injury Disaster Loans available. Subsequent amendments have had added more
parishes.
Currently, SBA Disaster Assistance Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available in
Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln,
Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, and Winn.
Only Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available in Avoyelles, Bienville, Caldwell, Claiborne, De
Soto, Evangeline, Iberia, La Salle, Lafayette, Red River, Richland, St. Landry and West Carroll.
Disaster Data and Imagery – Laura
https://maps.disasters.nasa.gov/arcgis/apps/MinimalGallery/index.html?appid=671b086cb31b4c
5baabd644ac9c538b7
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Key Disaster Numbers (Updated by FEMA on Mondays) – Laura
IA Weekly Snapshot COB: 11-22-2020
Total Regs 224,398
Breakdown
Registrations Approved 72,131
Registrations Ineligible* 57,198
Registrations Pending** 10,139
No Decision (Insurance)*** 46,992
Withdrawn**** 1,997
Undesignated Parishes***** 6,953
Not Referred to IHP****** 28,988
IHP $$ Approved $ 199,964,223.72
HA $$ Approved $ 137,938,205.01
ONA $$ Approved $ 62,026,018.71
IHP $$ Disbursed $ 198,024,732.53
HA $$ Disbursed $ 136,385,421.12
ONA $$ Disbursed $ 61,639,311.41
Inspections Issued 98,483
Inspections Returned 98,138
Outstanding 345
% Complete 99.65%
Inspectors Assigned 23
Max Award 72
Max $ Award Disbursed $ 2,556,000.00
# DRCs Open 8
CUM DRC Activity 26,132
FEMA Disaster Declaration for Louisiana – Delta On October 16, 2020, Emergency Declaration (EM) 3547 was replaced by Disaster Declaration (DR)
4570. The following is provided under DR-4570:
Individual Assistance (IA)
Acadia, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Rapides, St. Landry, St.
Martin, and Vermilion Parishes.
Public Assistance (PA), Category A (debris removal)
* Ineligible for various reasons such as
insufficient damage, etc.
** Pending review of registration
*** No decision while awaiting insurance
documents
**** Registration withdrawn either by
applicant or for failure to return contact by
inspector
***** Registration from undeclared parish
****** Not referred to IHP for various
reasons such as not primary residence,
business damage, etc.
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Acadia, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Rapides, St. Landry, St.
Martin, and Vermilion Parishes.
Public Assistance (PA), Category B (emergency protective measures)
Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Catahoula, Concordia, East Baton Rouge,
East Feliciana, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, La Salle, Livingston, Lafayette,
Lafourche, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Sabine, St.
Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St.
Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Vernon, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West
Feliciana, and Winn Parishes for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct
federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln,
Madison, Morehouse, Red River, Richland, Union, Webster, and West Carroll Parishes for
emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public
Assistance program.
Under EM 3547
FEMA is authorized to provide Public Assistance Category B emergency protective
measures, including direct Federal assistance for the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Ascension,
Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, East Baton
Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Livingston,
Lafayette, Lafourche, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Bernard,
St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St.
Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge,
and West Feliciana.
FEMA is also authorized to provide Public Assistance Category B emergency protective
measures, limited to direct federal assistance for the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo,
Caldwell, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln,
Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Union, Vernon, Webster,
West Carroll, and Winn.
Public Assistance (PA), Category C – G (permanent work / repairs)
None at this time.
Hazard Mitigation (HM)
All areas of the State.
SBA Disaster Declaration for Louisiana – Delta On October 16, 2020, the SBA issued a Disaster Declaration making SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
and Economic Injury Disaster Loans available. Subsequent amendments have had added more
parishes.
Currently, SBA Disaster Assistance Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available in
Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vermilion.
Only Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available in Allen, Beauregard, Evangeline, Iberia,
Lafayette, and St. Landry.
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Key Disaster Numbers (Updated by FEMA on Mondays) – Delta
IA Weekly Snapshot COB: 11-15-2020
Total Regs 40,730
Breakdown
Registrations Approved 4,936
Registrations Ineligible* 13,820
Registrations Pending** 4,522
No Decision (Insurance)*** 9,044
Withdrawn**** 495
Undesignated Parishes***** 3,997
Not Referred to IHP****** 3,916
IHP $$ Approved $ 16,890,620.34
HA $$ Approved $ 12,810,558.87
ONA $$ Approved $ 4,080,061.47
IHP $$ Disbursed $ 16,207,782.88
HA $$ Disbursed $ 12,302,949.76
ONA $$ Disbursed $ 3,904,833.12
Inspections Issued 14,561
Inspections Returned 14,320
Outstanding 241
% Complete 98.34%
Inspectors assigned 31
Max Award 1
Max $ Award Disbursed $ 36,000.00
How Can My Parish Be Added To The Declaration? Anyone living in a Parish that was not declared should report their damages to their local Office of
Emergency Preparedness (OEP). Parish contacts can be found at:
https://gohsep.la.gov/ABOUT/PARISHPA. The Parish will need the information to complete a
Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) that would justify a Disaster Declaration for their Parish.
Since this process can take up to two weeks, it is important that the damages be identified as quickly
as possible.
Status of FEMA Disaster Relief Fund FEMA’s DRF currently has a balance of $58 billion and FEMA has no unmet needs. FEMA
estimates that it will have adequate resources to address the response efforts within current balances
(e.g., Hurricane Rita’s total disaster cost was $4 billion, which equates to about $5.4 billion in
today’s dollars).
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Parishes Seeking Federal Declaration
To qualify for a federal disaster declaration during the Fiscal Year 2020, both the State as a
whole and the Parish must meet an expense threshold. The State threshold is $1.53 per capita
in 2010 census, or $6,936,059, while the Parish threshold is $3.84 per person. A Parish must
submit a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) to GOHSEP reporting and documenting
estimates of all damages and expenses under all Public Assistance (PA) Categories. The
threshold does not include damages outside of PA such as individual homes, businesses, and
crops. Cover October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2020 which included Laura.
2020 Parish Thresholds
Parish 2020 Threshold Parish 2020 Threshold
Acadia 237,208.32 Madison 46,437.12
Allen 98,933.76 Morehouse 107,439.36
Ascension 411,705.60 Natchitoches 151,933.44
Assumption 89,936.64 Orleans 1,320,303.36
Avoyelles 161,560.32 Ouachita 590,284.80
Beauregard 136,911.36 Plaquemines 88,481.28
Bienville 55,115.52 Pointe Coupee 87,559.68
Bossier 449,199.36 Rapides 505,393.92
Caddo 979,080.96 Red River 34,909.44
Calcasieu 740,229.12 Richland 79,584.00
Caldwell 38,906.88 Sabine 93,054.72
Cameron 26,261.76 St. Bernard 137,844.48
Catahoula 39,962.88 St. Charles 202,675.20
Claiborne 66,028.80 St. Helena 43,019.52
Concordia 79,956.48 St. James 84,871.68
De Soto 102,359.04 St. John the Baptist 176,348.16
East Baton Rouge 1,690,256.64 St. Landry 320,194.56
East Carroll 29,794.56 St. Martin 200,294.40
East Feliciana 77,825.28 St. Mary 209,856.00
Evangeline 130,498.56 St. Tammany 897,561.60
Franklin 79,745.28 Tangipahoa 465,012.48
Grant 85,666.56 Tensas 20,167.68
Iberia 281,241.60 Terrebonne 429,542.40
Iberville 128,206.08 Union 87,248.64
Jackson 62,492.16 Vermilion 222,716.16
Jefferson 1,660,999.68 Vernon 200,962.56
Jefferson Davis 121,320.96 Washington 181,125.12
Lafayette 850,859.52 Webster 158,234.88
Lafourche 369,861.12 West Baton Rouge 91,345.92
La Salle 57,177.60 West Carroll 44,559.36
Lincoln 179,462.40 West Feliciana 60,000.00
Livingston 491,619.84 Winn 58,801.92
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To qualify for a federal disaster declaration during the Fiscal Year 2021, both the State as a
whole and the Parish must meet an expense threshold. The State threshold is $1.55 per capita
in 2010 census, or $7,026,726.60, while the Parish threshold is $3.89 per person. A Parish
must submit a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) to GOHSEP reporting and
documenting estimates of all damages and expenses under all Public Assistance (PA)
Categories. The threshold does not include damages outside of PA such as individual homes,
businesses, and crops. Cover October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021 which includes Delta.
2021 Parish Thresholds
Parish 2021 Threshold Parish 2021 Threshold
Acadia 240,296.97 Madison 47,041.77
Allen 100,221.96 Morehouse 108,838.31
Ascension 417,066.35 Natchitoches 153,911.74
Assumption 91,107.69 Orleans 1,337,494.81
Avoyelles 163,663.97 Ouachita 597,970.80
Beauregard 138,694.06 Plaquemines 89,633.38
Bienville 55,833.17 Pointe Coupee 88,699.78
Bossier 455,048.31 Rapides 511,974.57
Caddo 991,829.41 Red River 35,363.99
Calcasieu 749,867.52 Richland 80,620.25
Caldwell 39,413.48 Sabine 94,266.37
Cameron 26,603.71 St. Bernard 139,639.33
Catahoula 40,483.23 St. Charles 205,314.20
Claiborne 66,888.55 St. Helena 43,579.67
Concordia 80,997.58 St. James 85,976.78
De Soto 103,691.84 St. John the Baptist 178,644.36
East Baton Rouge 1,712,265.19 St. Landry 324,363.76
East Carroll 30,182.51 St. Martin 202,902.40
East Feliciana 78,838.63 St. Mary 212,588.50
Evangeline 132,197.76 St. Tammany 909,248.60
Franklin 80,783.63 Tangipahoa 471,067.33
Grant 86,782.01 Tensas 20,430.28
Iberia 284,903.60 Terrebonne 435,135.40
Iberville 129,875.43 Union 88,384.69
Jackson 63,305.86 Vermilion 225,616.11
Jefferson 1,682,627.28 Vernon 203,579.26
Jefferson Davis 122,900.66 Washington 183,483.52
Lafayette 861,938.42 Webster 160,295.23
Lafourche 374,677.02 West Baton Rouge 92,535.32
La Salle 57,922.10 West Carroll 45,139.56
Lincoln 181,799.15 West Feliciana 60,781.25
Livingston 498,021.14 Winn 59,567.57
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Any Parish seeking a federally declared disaster should work with their Regional Coordinator
at GOHSEP to submit a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) through WebEOC that
documents sufficient damages to warrant a federal declaration. Additional information on
WebEOC is at http://gohsep.la.gov/RESPOND/REQUEST-RESOURCES/WEB-EOC and
the PPDA process is available starting on Page 127 of GOHSEP’s Louisiana Elected
Officials Emergency Management Manual available at
http://gohsep.la.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Elected_Officials_Manual_2015.pdf
Even if the Governor has submitted a declaration request to FEMA and the President, the
Parish should continue to update GOHSEP on damages. In the past the Governor has
declared disasters for Parishes that had not submitted enough documented damages to meet
federal disaster criteria.
The Parish should also submit their Economic Impact Statement to GOHSEP. A check list is
available at http://gohsep.la.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Publications/PDD_Checklist.pdf.
If a Parish is having trouble reaching their Regional Coordinator or SAL may contact Allison
Hadley with GOHSEP at (225) 339-3798, (225) 718-1815, or [email protected]
Mosquito Abatement
Additional Mosquito Abatement efforts may be covered under Public Assistance if necessary.
As of the morning of September 4, 2020, the State was working on a plan to do multi-parish
mosquito abatement. The State was still determining its control vectors and developing the
scientific/medical justification for the areas it would target. FEMA stated it was awaiting on the
State’s plans so FEMA could determine if it is eligible for reimbursement.
Since it takes way too long to have the State do a contract, parish who do not wish to wait on the
State may amendment their existing Mosquito Abatement contracts. Each parish will have to
work with LDH to complete a form and provide data supporting the need from additional
abatement efforts in order to qualify for reimbursement from FEMA. Parishes seeking FEMA
reimbursement of these efforts should contact LDH at:
Kyle Moppert
Public Health Entomologist
Office of Public Health
Louisiana Department of Health
P.O. Box 4489
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4489
Office: (225) 342-8950
Cell: (225) 610-5847
On October 20, FEMA contracted an Air Force C-130 to spray Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron,
Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette and Vermilion parishes.
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Public Assistance (Limited to Category A and B)
Public Assistance provides a reimbursement from FEMA of 75% of the cost for debris
removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of
disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain Private Non-Profit
(PNP) organizations. The PA Program also encourages protection of these damaged
facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during
the recovery process.
Parish and Local Officials should work closely with their Parish Office of Emergency
Preparedness and GOHSEP on all aspects of disaster response and recovery. Failure to
strictly follow and document the requirements for Public Assistance could prevent the
Parish or municipality from being eligible for PA from FEMA.
In Calendar Year 2020, if the Public Assistance (PA) expenditures exceed $149 per
individual in the 2010 Census, the cost share for PA becomes 90/10. The current qualifying
threshold is $675,472,428. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/02/06/2020-
02298/notice-of-adjustment-of-statewide-per-capita-indicator-for-recommending-a-cost-
share-adjustment
PA applicants having problems submitting PA request through Louisianapa.com can submit
request to [email protected].
GOHSEP has all of their publications to assist Public Assistance applicants available at
http://gohsep.la.gov/RESOURCES/OVERVIEW/PUBLICATIONS. The Regional
Coordinator or State Applicant Liaison (SAL) at GOHSEP can answer question and help
with submissions.
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Assistance for Individuals and Businesses
About Federal Disaster Assistance
Federal disaster assistance is typically paid out after regular insurance in the following order per
type of structure. Maintaining mandatory insurance is a requirement for eligibility for federal
assistance for structural damages. Contents coverage is optional for homeowners. Flood
insurance policies are per structure with an additional policies required for each shed and
structure on the property. To receive FEMA Individual Assistance for either Repairs or Personal
Property, the FEMA calculated loss for each type must be more than the total amount one
receives from insurance proceeds and an SBA Disaster Assistance Loan as long as the total of
the insurance and loan are not equal to or greater than $35,500 - Laura and $36,00 - Delta.
SBA and FEMA not available if home is located in a flood zone and was required to have
flood insurance due to a mortgage or federal disaster assistance was previously received.
SBA Disaster Assistance Loan eligibility and interest rates based on credit. Cannot
exceed damage – insurance proceeds
SBA and FEMA not available for contents if you live in a flood zone and previously
received federal disaster assistance.
SBA Disaster Assistance Loan eligibility and interest rates are based on credit. Cannot
exceed damages minus insurance proceeds
SBA not available if the structure is located in a flood zone and was required to have
flood insurance due to a mortgage or federal disaster assistance was previously received.
SBA Disaster Assistance Loan eligibility and interest rates based on credit. Cannot
exceed damages minus insurance proceeds
SBA and FEMA not available.
Owner Occupied Home
Home and Flood Insurance (NFIP Max $250,000 Structure & $100,000 Contents)
SBA Disaster Assistance Loan (Max $200,000 Structure & $40,000 Contents)
FEMA Individual and Household Assistance (Max $35,500 - Laura & $36,000 - Delta)
Renter Renters and Flood Insurance (NFIP Max $100,000 Contents)
SBA Disaster Assistance Loan (Max $40,000 Contents)
FEMA Individual and Household Assistance (Max $35,500 - Laura & $36,000 - Delta)
Business including rental properties
Business and Flood Insurance (NFIP Max $500,000 & $100,000 Contents)
SBA Disaster Assistance Loan (Max $2,000,000)
Secondary homes or vacation properties
Home and Flood Insurance (NFIP Max $250,000 Structure)
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Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)
Congress may provide CDBG-DR funding should the damages be severe. CDBG-DR funding is
not guaranteed and is often passed months after a disaster. CDBG-DR is a grant program
targeted to low-income households for whom the previously mentioned disaster assistance was
insufficient. As a result, 70 percent of beneficiaries must be Low- and Moderate-Income Persons
unless a State requests and is granted a 50 percent waiver.
Duplication of Benefits (DOB)
When the federal government first became involved in providing disaster assistance in the 60s
and 70s, it relied on loans and added grants to assist those that could not qualify a loan or a loan
large enough to meet all of their needs. By requiring a loan whenever possible, it incentives
people to properly insure their home and penalizes those that fail to properly insure their home.
To ensure no one received more in assistance than their actual losses, DOB rules were put in
place that say before an agency can provide federal funds to a disaster victim, they must first
determine their loss and subtract any assistance they have already received from a government or
charity.
The DOB rules apply separately to each form of assistance (i.e. repairs, contents, travel, rental
assistance, etc.). For example, assistance received for contents and rental assistance, do not
count towards assistance one would receive for repairs.
In October 2018, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law a temporary repeal of the
DOB rule when it comes to CDBG-DR funds and SBA Disaster loans for disasters declared
between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021. The full HUD rule implementing the repeal
can be found at
https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/Main/documents/6169-N-01_Main_DOB_Notice.pdf.
Registering with FEMA for Individual Assistance
Once a declaration including Individual Assistance has been made, individuals and business
owners who sustained losses in the designated area can apply for assistance by registering at:
Computer: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Phone: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
Web enabled mobile device: m.fema.gov
FEMA App: https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app (Google Play, App Store, Blackberry)
Speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585
Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362
The FEMA registration system will accept registration at any time; however, if there is no
federal declaration for your parish, the applications will be rejected. If you are rejected for
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 15
filing too early and reapply after a declaration, it will cause some confusion because FEMA
will have two registrations.
Individual interested in additional information on the Individual and Household Assistance
Program (i.e. what is offered, the home inspection, and appeals) can go to
https://www.fema.gov/individual-disaster-assistance.
Additional information on FEMA’s remote inspection process may be found at
https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/individual-and-households-program-remote-inspections.
Assistance to Individuals and Households Offered by FEMA
The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial help or direct services to
those who have necessary expenses and serious needs if they are unable to meet the needs
through other means. The examples below are not a complete list. There are two limits of
$35,500 – Laura and $36,000 – Delta for FEMA IHP programs. There is one limit for home
repairs and a separate limit for all other assistance. Previously, there was one limit for all forms
of assistance.
Additionally, flood insurance may be required as indicated below. These forms of help are
available and are further described below: Housing Assistance (including Temporary Housing,
Repair, Replacement, and Semi‐Permanent or Permanent Housing Construction) and Other
Needs Assistance (including personal property and other items).
Housing Assistance
Temporary Housing: Money to rent a different place to live or a temporary housing unit
(when rental properties are not available). FEMA offers a separate Transitional
Sheltering Assistance (TSA) that provides hotel/motel stays, apartment rental, and
manufactured housing (trailer). TSA does not count toward IHP.
Repair: Money for homeowners to repair damage from the disaster that is not covered by
insurance or SBA Disaster Assistance Loans. The goal is to repair the home to a
habitable condition. FEMA may provide up to the IHP maximum for home repair. The
homeowner may apply for a Small Business Administration disaster loan to cover
additional repair costs. FEMA will not pay to return a home to its pre-disaster
condition. Perpetual flood insurance will be required if the home has flood damage and
is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (Flood Zone). Repair and replacement items may
include:
Structural parts of a home (foundation, outside walls, roof);
Windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinetry;
Septic or sewage system;
Well or other water system;
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system;
Utilities (electrical, plumbing, and gas systems);
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 16
Entrance and exit ways from the home, including privately owned access roads,
and;
Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a mobile home and reconnecting or resetting
its sewer, water, electrical and fuel lines and tanks.
Examples of Safe, Sanitary and Functional Repairs to Make a Home Livable
Property: FEMA may assist with the replacement of or repairs to disaster-
damaged heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems as well as refrigerators
and stoves. Other possible repairs that may be covered are utilities such as
electrical, plumbing and gas systems. Nonessential items like dishwashers and
home theater equipment are not covered.
Ceiling and roof damage: FEMA may assist with repairs to disaster-related leaks
in a roof that damage ceilings and threaten electrical components, like overhead
lights. Stains from roof leaks are not covered.
Floors: FEMA may assist in repair of a disaster-damaged subfloor in occupied
parts of the home. Floor coverings like tiles or carpets are not covered.
Windows: FEMA may assist with disaster-related broken windows, but not blinds
or drapes.
FEMA calculations on what may be covered vary as every survivor’s situation is
different. FEMA assistance may not make you whole – it is only to make basic home
repairs. Expenses for repairs that exceed the conditions to make a home safe, sanitary and
functional are ineligible.
Replacement: Money to replace a disaster‐damaged home, under rare conditions, if this
can be done with limited funds. FEMA may provide up to the IHP maximum for home
replacement. If the home is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the homeowner
must comply with flood insurance purchase requirements and local building codes related
to flooding.
Semi‐Permanent or Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for
the construction of a home. This type of assistance occurs only in very unusual
situations, in locations specified by FEMA, where no other type of housing assistance is
possible. Construction shall follow current minimal local building codes and standards
where they exist, or minimal acceptable construction industry standards in the area.
Construction will aim toward average quality, size, and capacity, taking into
consideration the needs of the occupant. If the home is located in a Special Flood Hazard
Area, the homeowner must comply with flood insurance purchase requirements and local
building codes related to flooding.
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 17
Other Needs Assistance
Other Needs Assistance provides grants for uninsured, disaster‐related necessary expenses
and serious needs. Flood insurance may be required on insurable items (personal property) if
they are to be located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Assistance includes:
Medical and dental expenses
Funeral and burial costs
Repair, cleaning, or replacement of:
o Clothing
o Household items (room furnishings, appliances)
o Specialized tools or protective clothing and equipment required for your job
o Necessary educational materials (computers, school books, supplies)
Clean‐up items (wet/dry vacuum, air purifier, dehumidifier) Fuel for primary heat
source (heating oil, gas)
Repairing or replacing vehicles damaged by the disaster, or providing for public
transportation or other transportation costs
Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster (including storage or the return of
property to a pre‐disaster home)
Other necessary expenses or serious needs (for example, towing, or setup or
connecting essential utilities for a housing unit not provided by FEMA)
The cost of a National Flood Insurance Program group flood insurance policy to meet
the flood insurance requirements
Conditions and Limitations of IHP Assistance
Residency status in the United States and its territories: To be considered for disaster housing
assistance, the applicant, or a household member, must provide proof of identity and sign a
declaration stating that they are a United States citizen, a non‐citizen national, or a qualified
alien.
Supplemental Assistance: Disaster housing assistance is not intended to substitute for private
recovery efforts, but to complement those efforts when needed. FEMA expects minor housing
damage or the need for short‐term shelter to be addressed by homeowners or tenants.
Furthermore, the Disaster Housing Program is not a loss indemnification program and does not
ensure that applicants are returned to their pre‐disaster living conditions.
Household Composition: People living together in one residence before the disaster are expected
to continue to live together after the disaster. Generally, assistance is provided to the pre‐disaster household as a unit. If, however, the assistance provided to the household is not
shared, or if the new residence is too small or causes undue hardship, members of the household
may request assistance separate from their pre‐disaster household.
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 18
Type of Assistance: Generally, more than one type of IHP assistance may be provided to the
household. Only FEMA has the authority to determine which type of assistance is most
appropriate for the household and the period of assistance to be covered.
Proper Use of Assistance: All financial assistance provided by FEMA should be used as
specified in writing: to rent another place to live, to make the home repairs identified by FEMA,
or to replace or repair personal property. Failure to use the money as specified may result in
ineligibility for additional assistance. All money provided by FEMA is tax‐free.
Documentation: Applicants are responsible for providing all documentation necessary for
FEMA to evaluate eligibility. Applicants may need to provide proof of occupancy, ownership,
income loss, and/or information concerning their housing situation prior to the disaster.
Applicants should keep all receipts and records for any housing expenses incurred as a result of
the disaster. This includes receipts for repair supplies, labor, and rent payments.
Insurance: If applicants have insurance, any assistance provided by FEMA should be considered
an advance and must be repaid to FEMA upon receipt of an insurance settlement payment. If the
settlement is less than FEMA’s estimated cost to make the home habitable, applicants may
qualify for funds to supplement their insurance settlement, but only for repairs relating to the
home’s habitability. FEMA does not provide replacement value amounts or assistance with non‐essential items.
Duration of Assistance: Repair and Replacement Assistance is provided as a one‐time payment.
Temporary Housing Assistance (or a manufactured housing unit) is provided for an initial period
of 1, 2, or 3 months. To be considered for additional assistance, applicants must demonstrate that
they have spent any previous assistance from FEMA as instructed, and must demonstrate their
efforts to re‐establish permanent housing. Additional assistance is generally provided for 1, 2, or
3 months at a time. The maximum period for IHP assistance is 18 months.
Appeal Rights: Applicants who disagree with FEMAʹs determination of eligibility or the form
of assistance provided, have the right to appeal within 60 days of the date of the notification
letter. If someone received a letter from FEMA saying they are “ineligible”, they should make
sure to read the letter all the way through to the end to find out why. The reason could be
missing information or documents or they forgot to sign something. Other common reasons for
the initial denial decision are:
o The damage was to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence;
o Someone else in the household applied and received assistance;
o Disaster-related losses could not be verified; and,
o Insurance covered all losses.
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, file a written appeal that includes the following:
o An explanation of why you think the decision was not correct;
o Supporting information and documents;
o Your FEMA registration number on all documents; and
o Your signature on the letter.
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Within 60 days of the decision letter date, drop it off at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers; fax
it to (800) 827-8112, or mail it to:
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
Missing FEMA Checks
The United States Postal Service is not delivering FEMA checks to homes that do not have a
secured (attached) mailbox. The checks are being held at the local Post Office for pick up.
Shelters
Currently, the State is no longer taking in evacuees from Laura and Delta. See Immediate
Unmet Needs and Assistance in non-Federal Declared Parishes below if you need help.
Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) (Governor has only requested THUs for Laura)
TSA allows disaster survivors who are unable to return to their homes for an extended period of
time to stay at participating hotels or motels, in apartments, or trailers. A new program will
also allow minimal efforts to make the survivor’s home habitable. To be eligible, an individual
must be living in a shelter, hotel, car, or at work. Any individual whose living situation changes
to an eligible category should update their information with FEMA. FEMA has only approved
TSA Temporary Housing Units per the Governor’s request. FEMA is also reimbursing the State
and Red Cross to shelter evacuees with extensive damages in hotels.
Hotels and Motels
A list of participating hotels and motels is available online at https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/hotel. If
you are unable to access the website, you may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. If you
use TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.
TSA covers the cost and taxes of the hotel or motel room. Meals, telephone calls and other
incidental charges are not covered. After up to 14 days in a hotel or motel, FEMA will begin
contacting you daily to determine your continued eligibility. If you are able to get back home,
move to longer-term housing, or if a FEMA housing inspector determines your home is
habitable, you may no longer be eligible for the TSA.
Temporary Housing Units (THUs)
FEMA primarily provides Temporary Housing Assistance in the form of Rental Assistance,
which is financial assistance awarded to eligible applicants to rent alternate housing while repairs
are being made to their pre-disaster primary residence or while they transition to permanent
housing. If FEMA determines eligible applicants cannot utilize Rental Assistance due to a lack
of available housing resources in the area, FEMA can authorize use of THUs. The cost of
placement in a THU does not count towards the $35,500 Individual Assistance cap.
At this time, FEMA has approved the Governor’s request for Temporary Housing in Allen,
Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon parishes.
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 20
1) FEMA Manufactured Housing
FEMA has manufactured housing (FEMA trailers) that will be deployed. The new housing is
larger, requires specialty utility and sewer connections, and cost over $100,000 per unit.
They range from one to three bedroom units. As a result, they are being considered as a last
option. To qualify, a homeowner has to have more than $17,000 in damage or a renter whose
rental home was destroyed by the flood. They will be primarily placed in existing
commercial mobile home parks; however, they may be placed on private sites, if suitable (not
in a floodplain, access to utilities, sufficient space, etc.).
2) Apartments
o Applicants – You must register with FEMA for disaster assistance. FEMA will meet
with you to discuss options and match you with an available apartment.
o Property Owners – Under the Multi-Family Lease and Repair Program (MLRP) offered
by FEMA and the State, they may provide you funds to make rental units livable again in
order to lease them as temporary housing to eligible disaster survivors. Repairs or
improvements do not need to be disaster related. You may choose your own contractors
after agreeing on repair costs with FEMA. For more information, contact the Louisiana
Housing Corporation (LHC) at (888) 454-2001 or [email protected].
Other Shelter/Housing Options
To find available rental resources that are participating in FEMA’s rental assistance
program by going to FEMA’s housing portal at asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm.
Social Serve is a non-profit which runs a website with affordable housing listings at
https://www.socialserve.com.
Rental properties can also be found on www.lahousingsearch.com.
The rental assistance people receive as part of their Individual Assistance can be used to
rent a commercial camper or trailer for placement in their yard. This counts towards the
$35,500 max for Laura and $36,000 for Delta. Initial rental assistance can be used
towards the purchase of a camper or trailer, but since it is not being rented, further rental
assistance is not available after purchase. If an individual enters into a rent-to-own
contract, rental assistance will continue until the term of the contract expires or FEMA
discontinues rental assistance because your permanent housing needs are met.
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Disaster Recovery Centers
Due COVID-19, FEMA is operating modified Disaster Recovery Centers. Individuals may drive
up to drop-off documents or ask questions. The Centers are located at:
Acadia Parish
Southside Community Center
403 4th St.
Rayne, LA 70578
Closed Oct. 4
Allen Parish
Coushatta Casino
777 Coushatta Drive
Kinder, LA 70648
Cancelled W/O Opening
Beauregard Parish
War Memorial Civic Center
250 W. 7th St.
DeRidder, LA 70634
Caddo Parish
Independence Stadium
3301 Pershing Blvd.
Shreveport, LA 71109
Closed Oct. 4
Calcasieu Parish
Lawrence Toups Jr. Park
(Formerly Iowa City Park)
115 N. Thompson Ave.
Iowa, LA 70647
Closed Nov. 6.
Calcasieu Parish
Calcasieu School Board
3310 Broad St.
Lake Charles, LA 70615
Closed Oct. 3
Calcasieu Parish
Lake Charles Civic Center
900 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Calcasieu Parish
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
2000 Moeling St.
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Opens Nov. 24
Calcasieu Parish
Moss Bluff Senior Center
Parking Lot
2868 U.S. Hwy 171 N.
Moss Bluff, LA 70611
Opens Nov. 17
Closes Dec. 1
Calcasieu Parish
Frasch Park
400 Picard Road
Sulphur, LA 70663
Calcasieu Parish
Sulphur City Library
1160 Cypress St.
Sulphur, LA 70663
Closed Oct. 3
Cameron Parish
Cameron Prairie National
Wildlife Center
1428 Highway 27
Bell City, LA 70630
Closed Nov. 18
Grant Parish
Zig Slater Ball Park
20971 US Hwy 167
Dry Prong, LA 71423
Closed Oct. 18
Jefferson Davis Parish
Lacassine High School
409 Algonia Ave.
Lacassine, LA, 70650
Closed Sep. 20
Jefferson Davis Parish
Jefferson Davis Parish
Fairgrounds
810 S. Lake Arthur Ave.
Jennings, LA 70546
Opens Nov. 13
Lafayette Parish
Graham Brown Memorial Park
1212 E. Pont Des Mouton Road
Lafayette, LA 70507
Opens Nov. 25
LaSalle Parish
Jena Town Park
1326 Terral St.
Jena, LA 71342
Closed Oct. 13
LaSalle Parish
Old Holloway Bldg.
3850 Main St. (Hwy 165)
Olla, LA 71465
Natchitoches Parish
450 Fifth St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Opens Oct. 19
Ouachita Parish
Monroe Civic Center
401 Lea Joyner Expressway
Monroe, LA 71202
Closed Oct. 4
Rapides Parish
Rapides Parish Coliseum
5600 Coliseum Blvd
Alexandria, LA 71303
Closed Oct. 18
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 22
Sabine Parish
Sabine Parish Courthouse
40 S. Capital
Many, LA 71449
Closed Oct. 4
St. Landry
Word Ministry Church
1960 W. Laurel Ave,
Eunice, LA 70535
Closed Nov. 10
St. Martin Parish
Parc Hardy
1290 Rees Street
Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
Opens Nov. 19
Vermilion Parish
LSU AG Center
1105 West Port St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Closed Oct. 2
Reopened Oct. 22
Vernon Parish
Vernon Sheriff’s Office
203 Third St.
Leesville, LA 71446
Closed Nov. 14
Winn Parish
Winn Parish Library
200 North Saint John St.
Winnfield, LA 71483
Closed Oct. 4
Disaster Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRIC) are traveling around the impacted area.
You can find the current locations at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4559.
No appointments are necessary. The hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
The center will operate under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all participants.
Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. You will remain in your car. A
specialist wearing a face mask will receive your documents through the window and return them
to you.
Blue Roof Program
On August 30, 2020, FEMA activated the Blue Roof program for Laura. It has also been
extended to include Delta. This program, administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
hires contractors to install blue trap material on homes to protect against wind and rain. It
typically takes at least 5 days for a contractor to assess the roof and complete the installation
upon being assigned a home. Disaster obstacles could lengthen the time. Additional information
is available at https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/Blue-Roof-
Information/.
The program is currently available in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis,
and Vernon Parishes. To register, call (888) 766-3258 (888-ROOF-BLU) or go to https://blue-
roof-online-signup-usace.hub.arcgis.com/. There is an in-person registration site set up from 9
am to 5 pm in the parking lot of:
Lake Charles Civic Center
900 N. Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70601
First Baptist Church
2030 E First Street
Deridder, LA 70634
This is a free service to homeowners designed to protect property, reduces temporary housing
costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.
This program is for primary residences or a permanently occupied rental properties with less than
50 percent structural damage. Vacation rental properties are not eligible for the program. Once
the blue roof is installed, the structure must be habitable. Not all roof types qualify for the
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 23
program. Roofs that are flat or made of metal or clay, slate or asbestos tile do not qualify. All
storm debris must be removed for the roof to qualify.
Deadline to apply for Laura victims is October 24 and for Delta victims is December 15.
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 24
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans Assistance
Individuals and businesses needing assistance with SBA Disaster Assistance Loans may
contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center. Individuals may also visit
a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. Business may visit an SBA Business Recovery
Center.
Non-Profits may be eligible for SBA Disaster Assistance Loans if they do not qualify for
Public Assistance (PA). They should contact GOHSEP at (225) 925-7500 to determine
if they qualify for PA or should they apply for a loan.
Eligibility and Interest Rates based on credit rating. Actual rates will be set once disaster
is declared. The below rates are from the most recent disasters in August 2020.
No Credit Available
Elsewhere
Credit Available
Elsewhere
Home Loans 1.188% 2.375%
Business Damage Loans 3.000% 6.000%
Non-profit Damage Loans 2.750% 2.750%
Economic Injury Loans
Business & Small Ag Coops 3.000%
Non-Profits 2.750%
Loan Limits
o Homeowners: $200,000 to repair/replace real estate
$40,000 to repair/replace personal property
o Businesses: $2,000,000 to repair/replace real estate, M&E, inventory, and other
assets.
Deadlines – Laura
o Physical Damages is October 27, 2020
o Economic Injury is May 28, 2021
Deadlines – Delta
o Physical Damages is December 15, 2020
o Economic Injury is July 16, 2021
SBA Mitigation Loans are available to cover the cost of improvements that will protect
their property against future damage such as retaining walls, sump pumps, and elevation.
Mitigation loan money would be in addition to the amount of the approved Disaster
Assistance Loans. The mitigation loan may not exceed 20% of total amount of disaster
damage to the structure and improvements to a maximum of $200,000 in damages for
home loans ($40,000 max) and a maximum of $2,000,000 in damages for business loans
($400,000 max). SBA approval of the mitigating measures will be required before any
loan increase.
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 25
SBA Relocation Loan are available if the development will not be repaired or rebuilt.
This means you may have eligibility for the full replacement value of your home minus
any disaster assistance you have received, up to the SBA lending limits. You must
submit a relocation plan to SBA for approval.
An application may be declined for the following reasons: lack of repayment ability, lack
of repayment ability based on forecast, unsatisfactory history on an existing or previous
SBA loan, unsatisfactory history on a Federal obligation, unsatisfactory credit history,
unsatisfactory debt payment history (other than a credit bureau), and economic injury is
not substantiated. An application may be withdrawn when requested information is not
furnished within the allowed timeframe.
SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center
Phone: (800) 659-2955
Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals: (800) 877-8339
E-mail: [email protected] Online: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRC)
SBA has 1 locations open. Services include assessing business economic injury, evaluating the
business’s strength, cash flow projections and most importantly, a review of all options to ensure
each business makes decisions that are appropriate for its situation.
Business Recovery Center
Southwest Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (SEED) Center
Willis Noland Conference Center, Second Floor
4310 Ryan St.
Lake Charles, LA 70605
Due to the COVID pandemic, services are provided by appointment only and all services are
provided free of charge, Mondays - Fridays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. To schedule an appointment to meet
with an SBA customer service representative, please call the SWLA Economic Development
Alliance at (337) 433-3632.
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 26
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Contact insurance agent and company to file a claim. Get your company’s contact
information online at the Louisiana Department of Insurance:
www.ldi.la.gov/onlineservices/ActiveCompanySearch.
For assistance with flood insurance claims from the NFIP Call Center by calling
(800) 621-3362, then press 2.
If you gut your home before an adjustor arrives, take plenty of before and after pictures.
Keep a sample of each type of carpet pulled from the house. Also take pictures of
appliances along with the serial number or model number. Take pictures that clearly
show the water mark with a ruler, yard stick, or tape measure clearly showing how high
the water was.
Deadline to file a claim is 60 days.
Immediate Unmet Needs and Assistance in non-Federal Declared Parishes
Call 211. 2-1-1 is a single access point for resources like food, clothing, shelter, financial
assistance and health resources. Visit https://www.louisiana211.org/ and follow
@211Louisiana on Twitter.
Red Cross: www.redcross.org/get-help
Acadiana
(Lafayette area)
(337) 234-7371 North Louisiana Chapter
(Northwest Louisiana)
(318) 865-9545
Central Louisiana Office (318) 442-6621 Northeast Louisiana (318) 323-5141
Louisiana Capital Area (225) 291-4533 Northshore (985) 892-4317
Southeast Louisiana (504) 620-3105 Southwest Louisiana (337) 478-5122
Go online to www.foodpantries.org/st/louisiana to see a database a statewide food banks.
Brochures and information on sheltering in place, finding love one, finding and caring for
pets, emergency food and water: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (Food Stamps) Program (D-SNAP)
Households not normally eligible for SNAP may qualify for D-SNAP as a result of their disaster-
related expenses, such as loss of income, damage to property, relocation expenses, and, in some
cases, loss of food due to power outages. Call Louisiana Department of Children and Family
Services (DCSF) at 1-888-524-3578.
On September 8, 2020, the USDA approved Louisiana’s DSNAP application submitted over the
weekend for Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis,
Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Vermilion, Vernon and Winn Parishes.
DSNAP for Laura is closed.
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 27
On October 11, 2020, the USDA approved Louisiana’s DSNAP application for Delta. It covers
the parishes of Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vermilion.
The USDA has provided a number of waivers for DSNAP impacting victims of Laura and Delta.
Updates regarding DSNAP for Laura and Delta may be found at
http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/360.
Registration is available at http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/360 or calling 1-888-524-
3578.
To receive DSNAP benefits, you will need to provide:
o Name, Social Security Number and Date of Birth for each household member
o Current address and parish of household
o Monthly income for each household member
o All liquid assets for each household member (cash on hand, checking, savings)
DSNAP benefits are issued for one month, but they can be used for up to 365 days.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
The Disaster Unemployment benefit is an additional $108 per week for individuals who are
unable to work due to their employer being damaged or impaired by a declared disaster.
Individuals who were unable to work as a result of the disaster may register for disaster
unemployment assistance at https://www.louisianaworks.net/hire/vosnet/Default.aspx or by
calling (866) 783-5567.
Louisiana Workforce Commission has announced that anyone on unemployment prior to Laura
will not be eligible for the $108 Disaster Unemployment benefit. Conversely, new claimants
filing due to Laura will not be eligible for the COVID-19 pandemic unemployment benefits
including the $300 per week being paid under President Trump’s Executive Order.
Laura
Louisiana Workforce Commission turned on Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Laura on
September 10, 2020. The deadline to initially apply has been extended until October 30, 2020.
It covers disaster-related unemployment starting August 22 and continues until February 27,
2021, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.
Laura eligible parishes include Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant,
Jackson, Jefferson Davis, La Salle, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides,
Sabine, St. Landry, Union, Vermillion, Vernon, and Winn parishes.
Delta
Louisiana Workforce Commission turned on Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Delta on
October 20, 2020. The deadline to initially apply is November 19, 2020. It covers disaster-
related unemployment starting October 11 and continues until April 17, 2021, as long as the
individual’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 28
Delta eligible parishes include Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vermillion
parishes.
Medical Needs
Medical Needs Shelter The Medical Special Needs Shelter at the Lamar Dixon Center in Gonzales requires pre-
approval for admission. Individuals seeking shelter are required to call 211 and will be
connected to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to coordinate admission.
Government Paid Prescriptions
Medicare patients can contact their plan sponsor to use an out of network pharmacy. Patients
will generally need to save their paper claim and submit it for a refund of the out of network
cost sharing. https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/getting-prescriptions-in-
disaster-or-emergency
Medicaid patients receive a one-time emergency prescription refill of up to a 30-day supply
of a prescribed medication required for health maintenance of chronic conditions such as
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. DHH’s complete rules are at
http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/EmergencyPrep/flood/FFSEmergencyPharmacyOv
errides.pdf.
TRICARE patients can get an emergency refill at any network pharmacy. If you are unable
to fill at your regular pharmacy, call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303 to locate one, but it's
at that pharmacy's discretion to help you.
Prescriptions and Medical Equipment for Survivors Without Health Insurance
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services operates an Emergency Prescription
Assistance Program to pay for prescriptions and medical equipment for disaster survivors
without health insurance. Louisiana patients may obtain a free 30-day supply of medications
or medical supplies at any participating pharmacy. For more information visit
http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/epap/Pages/default.aspx.
Coping with Disaster and Mental Health Issues
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a Disaster
Distress Helpline. You can call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
FEMA offers advice on coping with a disaster at http://www.fema.gov/coping-disaster.
Additional individuals coping with substance abuse or mental health issues in a disaster can
find resourse at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4506
Other Medical Services
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center is supporting a community disaster
response as the result of extreme flooding. LSU Health Baton Rouge and Our Lady of the
Lake Physician Group are offering urgent care, pharmacy, and primary care services.
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Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group is operating a temporary walk-in clinic with adult
and pediatric services. The clinic is in a mobile health unit parked at the Essen entrance to
Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center. No appointments are necessary.
LSU Health Baton Rouge Urgent Care is operating 24/7.
The North Clinic is located at 5439 Airline Highway and can be reached at (225) 358-2280.
The Mid City Pharmacy is also open. The Mid City Pharmacy is located at 1401 N. Foster
Drive and can be reached at (225) 987-9000.
Emergency Kidney Dialysis Information is available on the Health Services Advisory
Group’s website at http://www.hsag.com/en/esrd-networks/esrd-network-13/emergency-
preparedness/.
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Assistance for Individuals Homeless Prior to Disaster
Individuals who were homeless prior to the flood may contact the following groups to discuss
programs to assist the homeless in their area.
Ascension, East and West Baton
Rouge, East and West Feliciana,
Iberville, & Pointe Coupee Parishes:
Acadia, Evangeline,
Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St.
Martin,
St. Mary, Vermillion Parishes:
Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless
1220 Main St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 201-0696
ARCH (Acadiana Regional Coalition on
Homelessness and Housing, Inc.)
401 St. John St.
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 967-0995
Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu,
Cameron, & Jeff Davis Parishes
Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant,
LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, & Winn
Parishes:
Southwestern LA Homeless Coalition
PO Box 3052
Lake Charles, LA 70602
(337) 433-6282
Central LA Coalition to End Homelessness
3900 Lee St.
Alexandria, LA 71301
(318) 443-0500
Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany,
Tangipahoa, & Washington Parishes:
Northlake Continuum of Care Coalition
SLU Box 70402
Hammond, LA 70402
(985) 549-5373
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Help for Individuals and Business with Finances
General Financial Issues
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has provided the check list below to help
guide people through some of the financial decisions they will need to make as soon as possible
following a natural disaster:
o If your home, car or property was damaged by the storm, contact your insurance
company to start the claims process.
o Ask for a copy of your insurance policy if you don’t have one available. It will help you
verify your coverage.
o Damage to your home does not stop your responsibility to pay your mortgage. So you
should contact your mortgage servicer and tell them about your situation.
o If you don’t have a monthly mortgage statement or coupon book with you, search the
Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS) or call them toll-free at (888) 679-
6377 to find the company that services your mortgage.
o Take a look at your income and savings and determine how much money you have
available to pay bills and creditors.
o If your income is interrupted and you don’t think you will be able to pay your credit cards
or other loans, be sure to contact your lenders as soon as possible. Explain your situation
and when you think you will be able to resume normal payments. The important thing is
to make the calls before your next payments are due.
o If you are in a presidentially declared disaster area, you may qualify for disaster
assistance. Check with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for more
information.
o If your home is damaged to the point that you can’t live in it, contact your utility
companies and ask to suspend your service. This could help free up money in your
budget for other expenses.
o Take a look at your bills and set priorities. Your mortgage, rent, and insurance payments
should stay high on your list.
Mortgage Issues
Unable to Afford Mortgage
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) notes that damage to your home does not
stop your responsibility to pay your mortgage. You should contact your mortgage servicer
and tell them about your situation. If you don’t have a monthly mortgage statement or
coupon book with you, search the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS) or call
them toll-free at (888) 679-6377 to find the company that services your mortgage.
Assistance with Your Mortgage Company
People needing assistance with an issue involving their mortgage company call speak to a
HUD Approved Housing Counselor Program by calling (800) 569-4287 or viewing a list of
counselors at
www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?&webListAction=search&searchstate=LA
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Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Backed Mortgages
If you have an FHA backed mortgage and your home or your ability to make your mortgage
payments were harmed by the disaster, you may qualify for a 90 day Foreclosure Moratorium
or a Forbearance Plan on your monthly payments. You must contact your mortgage
company to discuss your options. If you are not satisfied with your lender’s response, you
may call a HUD-approved counseling agency toll free at (800) 569-4287 or contact HUD's
National Servicing Center.
Mortgages Backed by Fannie Mae
Servicers of Fannie Mae mortgages may temporarily suspend or reduce your mortgage
payments for up to ninety days if a natural disaster has adversely affected the value or
habitability of your home or if the disaster has temporarily impacted your ability to make
payments. The servicer may offer forbearance for up to six months, which may be extended
for an additional six months if you were current or ninety days or less delinquent when the
disaster occurred. You should reach out to your servicer as soon as possible for assistance.
You can also call Fannie Mae directly at 1-800-2FANNIE or their Disaster Response
Network 877-833-1746.
Mortgages Backed by Freddie Mac
Servicers of Freddie Mac mortgages may: o Offer a Forbearance on your mortgage payment for up to one year
o Suspended foreclosure for up to one year
o Waive assessments of penalties or late fees
o Not report forbearance or delinquencies caused by the disaster to the nation's credit
bureaus.
You should contact your mortgage company to request assistance.
Rural Development Single-Family Housing Loan Borrowers
Rural Development offers the following servicing options to help families who experience
financial problems after a disaster:
o Moratoriums -- a temporary period where no payment is required -- for up to 180 days for
borrowers who have lost employment, sustained severe property damage or have
significant medical expenses.
o Reamortization -- rescheduling loan payments to determine a new monthly payment
amount -- if needed following a moratorium or to resolve an account delinquency.
To request loan servicing assistance, borrowers should contact the Centralized Servicing
Center at:
USDA Rural Development Centralized Servicing Center
Attn.: Borrower Assistance Branch, Special Assistance Section
Post Office Box 66889
St. Louis, MO 63166
Phone: (800) 414-1226
TDD: (800) 438-1832
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Veterans Administration and Loans
Veterans in need of financial counseling, veterans with VA backed mortgages, and veterans
interested in a VA guaranteed loan to help with disaster losses may contact a VA Loan
Technician at 1-877-827-3702.
Student Loans
If you are a borrower in repayment who was adversely affected by a disaster, you qualify for
administrative forbearance of loan repayment for a period of up to three months. During
forbearance, payments are temporarily postponed or reduced. However, interest is still charged
during the forbearance period. You should contact your lender or loan servicer to request this
forbearance. You must apply by making a request to your loan servicer.
Taxes
Federal – Laura Victims of Hurricane Laura that began Aug. 22 now have until Dec. 31, 2020, to file various
individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced
today.
The IRS is offering this relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) as qualifying for individual assistance. The current list of eligible localities is always
available on the disaster relief page at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations.
The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting on Aug. 22,
2020. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Dec. 31, 2020, to file returns
and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period. This means individuals who had a valid
extension to file their 2019 return due to run out on Oct. 15, 2020, will now have until Dec. 31, 2020,
to file. The IRS noted, however, that because tax payments related to these 2019 returns were due on
July 15, 2020, those payments are not eligible for this relief.
The Dec. 31, 2020 deadline also applies to quarterly estimated income tax payments due on Sept. 15,
2020, and the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Nov. 2, 2020. It also applies to
tax-exempt organizations, operating on a calendar-year basis, that had a valid extension due to run out
on Nov. 16, 2020. Businesses with extensions also have the additional time including, among others,
calendar-year corporations whose 2019 extensions run out on Oct. 15, 2020.
In addition, penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due after Aug. 22 and before Sept. 8, will be
abated as long as the deposits are made by Sept. 8, 2020.
The IRS disaster relief page has details on other returns, payments and tax-related actions qualifying
for the additional time.
The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of
record located in the disaster area. Therefore, taxpayers do not need to contact the agency to get this
relief. However, if an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the
IRS that has an original or extended filing, payment or deposit due date falling within the
postponement period, the taxpayer should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated.
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In addition, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who lives outside the disaster area but whose records
necessary to meet a deadline occurring during the postponement period are located in the affected
area. Taxpayers qualifying for relief who live outside the disaster area need to contact the IRS at 866-
562-5227. This also includes workers assisting the relief activities who are affiliated with a
recognized government or philanthropic organization.
Individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area who suffered uninsured or
unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on either the return for the year the
loss occurred (in this instance, the 2020 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior
year (2019). Be sure to write the FEMA declaration number – 4559 − for Hurricane Laura in
Louisiana on any return claiming a loss. See Publication 547 for details at https://www.irs.gov/forms-
pubs/about-publication-547.
Federal – Delta Victims of Hurricane Delta that began on Oct. 6 now have until Feb. 16, 2021 to file various
individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced
today.
The IRS is offering this relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) as qualifying for individual assistance. Currently this includes Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron,
Jefferson Davis and Vermilion parishes in Louisiana, but taxpayers in localities qualifying for
individual assistance added later to the disaster area, elsewhere in the state and in neighboring states,
will automatically receive the same filing and payment relief. The current list of eligible localities is
always available on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.
The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting on Oct. 6,
2020. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Feb. 16, 2021, to file returns and
pay any taxes that were originally due during this period.
This means individuals who had a valid extension to file their 2019 return due to run out on Oct. 15,
2020, will now have until Feb. 16, 2021, to file. For any of these localities that were also impacted by
Hurricane Laura, this also means an additional extension beyond the Dec. 31 deadline announced in
August. The IRS noted, however, that because tax payments related to these 2019 returns were due on
July 15, 2020, those payments are not eligible for this relief.
The Feb. 16, 2021 deadline also applies to quarterly estimated income tax payments due on Jan. 15,
2021, and the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Nov. 2, 2020 and Feb. 1, 2021.
It also applies to tax-exempt organizations, operating on a calendar-year basis, that had a valid
extension due to run out on Nov. 16, 2020. Businesses with extensions also have the additional time
including, among others, calendar-year corporations whose 2019 extensions run out on Oct. 15, 2020.
In addition, penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Oct. 6 and before Oct. 21, will
be abated as long as the deposits are made by Oct. 21, 2020.
The IRS disaster relief page has details on other returns, payments and tax-related actions qualifying
for the additional time.
The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of
record located in the disaster area. Therefore, taxpayers do not need to contact the agency to get this
relief. However, if an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the
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IRS that has an original or extended filing, payment or deposit due date falling within the
postponement period, the taxpayer should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated.
In addition, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who lives outside the disaster area but whose records
necessary to meet a deadline occurring during the postponement period are located in the affected
area. Taxpayers qualifying for relief who live outside the disaster area need to contact the IRS at 866-
562-5227. This also includes workers assisting the relief activities who are affiliated with a
recognized government or philanthropic organization.
Individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area who suffered uninsured or
unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on either the return for the year the
loss occurred (in this instance, the 2020 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior
year (2019). Be sure to write the FEMA declaration number – 4570 − for Hurricane Delta in
Louisiana on any return claiming a loss. See Publication 547 for details.
State – Laura
Louisiana taxpayers affected by Hurricane Laura may be eligible for automatic tax filing
and payment extensions if their homes, principal places of business, critical tax records or
paid tax preparers are located in parishes that have been declared federal disaster areas.
"Hurricane Laura brought devastation to many families and businesses across our state,
and taxes are the last thing on their minds" said Louisiana Department of Revenue
Secretary Kimberly Lewis Robinson. "With these automatic tax extensions in place, those
families and businesses can focus on the rebuilding process. When the time comes to file
these extended tax returns, we encourage taxpayers who cannot pay all at once to enter
into payment plans so their accounts remain in good standing with the Department of
Revenue."
For individual income, corporate income and franchise, fiduciary income, partnership,
and partnership composite tax returns and payments due between Aug. 24 and Nov. 2,
2020, the extended due date is Dec. 31, 2020. Withholding, sales, severance and excise
tax returns and payments due between Aug. 24 and Nov. 2, 2020, are now due Nov. 30,
2020. Taxpayers who are eligible for these extensions may also request relief for audit
and litigation matters.
If penalties or interest began accruing on the return or tax before Aug. 24, 2020, the
taxpayer will not be eligible for this relief.
Tax returns and payments submitted by the extended deadlines will not be subject to
interest or to late filing or payment penalties.
Declared disaster areas include Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson,
Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Natchitotches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Vermillion, Vernon and
Winn parishes. If additional parishes are declared federal disaster areas, LDR will issue guidance
to include those parishes in this relief.
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Property Taxes
Under LA Revised Statutes 47:1978 and 47:1978.1, you may qualify to have your damaged
property reassess by the assessor to reflect the loss in value caused by the disaster or
flooding.
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Help for Individuals and Businesses with Rebuilding and Replacing Items
Consumer Protection and Tips
Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Tips for Natural Disasters Victims guide at
https://www.ag.state.la.us/Files/Consumer%20Tips%20for%20Natural%20Distaster%20Victims
.pdf. Has information on hiring contractors and a model contract.
Recommendations for individuals hiring a contractor:
o Take a picture of your contractor, his/her vehicle, and its license plate.
o Take a picture of the contractor’s business card and his/her driver’s license.
o Photograph or scan his/her contracting license and insurance.
o Photograph or scan the contract made with him/her.
o Photograph or scan all checks and money orders made as payments to the contractor.
o Make sure all of the photos are backed up.
o A licensed professional contractor will be more than happy to comply. Should a potential
contractor refuse a picture, it should be red flag.
o To report a scam or sign up for consumer alerts, contact the AG’s Consumer Protection
Hotline at 1-800-351-4889.
You can file a complaint regarding a contractor with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for
Contractors at https://arlspublic.lslbc.louisiana.gov/lslbccomplaint/new.
Report Fraud
FEMA Fraud Line – (866) 720-5721
Louisiana Legislative Auditor
Phone: 1-844-503-7283
Online: https://www.lla.la.gov/report-fraud/index.shtml
Tips of Hiring a Contractor
Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (www.lslbc.louisiana.gov) provides the following
tips for hiring a contractor. ALWAYS HIRE A LICENSED CONTRACTOR
1. Plan Your Project
Detail out what you want done and who you will need to complete it. No two projects are the
same and may require a specially licensed contractor.
2. Get 2-3 Estimates
When comparing estimates from different contractors, don’t just compare the bottom line
cost. Look at the cost and quality of materials for each one. Be sure the estimate includes
the total price, the materials to be used, a time table for payments and the expected time line
for completion of the work.
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3. Verify The Contractor’s License
Get proof that the contractor you may be working with is licensed. Visit “Contractor Search”
on www.LAContractor.org to check the status of their license. Only work with contractors
who are currently licensed.
4. Check At Least 3 References
Ask your contractor for three references in writing. When speaking with the references ask if
they were satisfied with the contractor's work. Ask if the contractor kept to the schedule and
the contract terms.
5. Require A Written Contract
The contract should be a detailed description of the work to be done, the material to be used
and the equipment to be installed. Be sure there is a schedule of payments and a time line for
when the work will be completed. Be sure you understand the contract before you sign it.
Any changes that occur should be noted in writing.
6. Don’t Make A Large Down Payment
The down payment you should pay in order for work to begin should be minimal. Beware of
a contractor who is asking for a large payment so that they can purchase the materials to
begin your project.
7. Make Payments As Work Is Completed
Set up a payment schedule that follows the amount of work completed. Never pay for
something that has not been completed. Do not pay for anything in cash.
8. Monitor The Job In Progress
Check in regularly on the progress of the work. Any and all permits should be displayed by
the contractor while the work is being done.
9. Don’t Make The Final Payment Until The Job Is Complete
Before making the final payment make sure that you are satisfied with the completed work.
Verify that any and all liens have been released.
10. Keep All Paperwork Related To Your Job
Be sure to keep a file of all papers and documents that pertain to your project. This includes
the contract, any written changes, all bills and invoices, receipts of payments and all
correspondence with your contractor. This should also include photos of the job in progress.
Mold Remediation
The Louisiana Department of Health has a webpage with Guidance for Mold Removal at
http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3966.
The Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors allows you to search for licensed contractor for
mold remediation at
http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/contractor-search/search-type-contractor/.
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Clean Up Advice
Brochures and information on returning to your home, cleaning up, rebuilding, insurance,
employment, finances, health, and other issues. http://www.disasterassistance.gov
FEMA may send out FEMA mitigation specialists to local hardware stores to answer questions
and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future
disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.
Free Cleanup Help and Volunteer Opportunity
The Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (www.ITDRC.org) and VisionLink
(www.VisionLink.org) are hosting Disaster Home Cleanup Hotline at 1-800-451-1954. This
hotline will connect survivors with reputable and vetted relief agencies that will assist in cleaning
and mucking out homes. All services are free.
To volunteer or register as an agency or individual for the Disaster Home Cleanup:
How to Register as New User
1) Visit https://www.crisiscleanup.org/
2) Click on Sign-Up (top right hand corner of the screen)
3) Click on Register Here (under New Organization)
4) Choose Disaster
5) Complete the rest of the form and select Sign-Up to submit your application
How to Re-Deploy for this Event (* if your organization has already used Crisis Cleanup
for a prior response)
1) Visit https://www.crisiscleanup.org/
2) Click on Sign-Up (top right hand corner of the screen)
3) Click on Redeploy Now (under Redeploy Your Organization)
Other Federal Home Repair Financing Programs
The following federal home repair programs may be used for home repairs and mitigation.
1) Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 203(h) Mortgage Insurance for
Disaster Victims
The Section 203(h) program allows the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to insure
mortgages made by qualified lenders to victims of a major disaster who have lost their homes
and are in the process of rebuilding or buying another home.
This program provides mortgage insurance to protect lenders against the risk of default on
mortgages to qualified disaster victims. Individuals are eligible for this program if their
homes are located in an area that was designated by the President as a disaster area and if
their homes were destroyed or damaged to such an extent that reconstruction or replacement
is necessary. Insured mortgages may be used to finance the purchase or reconstruction of a
one-family home that will be the principal residence of the homeowner. Like the basic FHA
mortgage insurance program it resembles (Section 203(b) Mortgage Insurance for One to
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 40
Four Family Homes), Section 203(h) offers features that make recovery from a disaster easier
for homeowners:
No down payment is required. The borrower is eligible for 100% financing. Closing costs
and prepaid expenses must be paid by the borrower in cash or paid through premium pricing
or by the seller, subject to a 6 percent limitation on seller concessions.
FHA mortgage insurance is not free. Mortgagees collect from the borrowers an up-front
insurance premium (which may be financed) at the time of purchase, as well as monthly
premiums that are not financed, but instead are added to the regular mortgage payment.
HUD sets limits on the amount that may be insured. To make sure that its programs serve
low and moderate income people, FHA sets limits on the dollar value of the mortgage. The
current FHA mortgage limit can be viewed online. These figures vary over time and by
place, depending on the cost of living and other factors (higher limits also exist for two to
four family properties).
FHA approved lending institutions, such as banks, mortgage companies, and savings and
loan associations, are eligible for Section 203(h) insurance. The borrower's application for
mortgage insurance must be submitted to the lender within one year of the President's
declaration of the disaster. Applications are made through an FHA approved lending
institution, who make their requests through a provision known as "Direct Endorsement,"
which authorizes them to consider applications without submitting paperwork to HUD.
Mortgage insurance processing and administration for this and other FHA single family
mortgage insurance products are handled through HUD's Homeownership Centers.
2) Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 203(k) Rehab Mortgage
Insurance
Section 203(k) insures mortgages covering the purchase or refinancing and rehabilitation of a
home that is at least a year old. A portion of the loan proceeds is used to pay the seller, or, if
a refinance, to pay off the existing mortgage, and the remaining funds are placed in an
escrow account and released as rehabilitation is completed. The cost of the rehabilitation
must be at least $5,000, but the total value of the property must still fall within the FHA
mortgage limit for the area. The value of the property is determined by either (1) the value of
the property before rehabilitation plus the cost of rehabilitation, or (2) 110 percent of the
appraised value of the property after rehabilitation, whichever is less.
Many of the rules and restrictions that make FHA's basic single family mortgage insurance
product (Section 203(b)) relatively convenient for lower income borrowers apply. Lenders
may charge some additional fees, such as a supplemental origination fee, appraisal fee, fees
for preparation of architectural documents, and a fee to review of the rehabilitation plan.
The extent of the rehabilitation covered by Section 203(k) may range from relatively minor
(though exceeding $5000 in cost) to virtual reconstruction: a home that has been demolished
or will be razed as part of rehabilitation is eligible, provided that the existing foundation
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 41
system remains in place. Section 203(k) loans can finance the rehabilitation of the residential
portion of a property that also has non-residential uses; they can also cover the conversion of
a property of any size to a one- to four- unit structure. The types of improvements that
borrowers may make using Section 203(k) financing include:
structural alterations and reconstruction
modernization and improvements to the home's function
elimination of health and safety hazards
changes that improve appearance and eliminate obsolescence
reconditioning or replacing plumbing; installing a well and/or septic system
adding or replacing roofing, gutters, and downspouts
adding or replacing floors and/or floor treatments
major landscape work and site improvements
enhancing accessibility for a disabled person
making energy conservation improvements
HUD requires that properties financed under this program meet certain basic energy
efficiency and structural standards. Applications must be submitted through an FHA
approved lender.
Additional information is available at
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/203k/203k--df
3) USDA, Rural Development Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-
income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-
low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. The homeowner must live in
a qualifying rural area.
To qualify, you must:
Be the homeowner and occupy the house
Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
Have a family income below 50 percent of the area median income
For grants, be age 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan
Loans may be used to repair, improve or modernize homes or remove health and safety
hazards. Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards
The maximum loan is $20,000 and the maximum grant is $7,500. Loans and grants can be
combined for up to $27,500 in assistance
The terms of the loan or grant are:
Loans can be repaid over 20 years
Loan interest rate is fixed at 1%
Full title service is required for loans of $7,500 or more
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Grants have a lifetime limit of $7,500
Grants must be repaid if the property is sold in less than 3 years
If applicants can repay part, but not all of the costs, applicants may be offered a loan
and grant combination
Additional information is available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-
family-housing-repair-loans-grants/la.
4) Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded program administered
by non-profits and the Louisiana Housing Corporation that weatherizes homes to improve
heating and cooling efficiency; thereby reducing energy costs and improving the comfort
level of household members. Household income determines the minimum requirements for
weatherization assistance. Availability of WAP is not guaranteed.
Priority is given to the following groups:
o Elderly, 60 years of age and older
o Families with children 18 years of age and under
o Individuals with Disabilities as established in accordance with the Title XXVI of the
Social Security Act for the SSI Program
o High Residential Energy Users and households with a high energy burden
2020 Annual Income Levels
Size of Family Maximum Income
1 $25,520
2 $34,480
3 $43,440
4 $52,400
5 $61,360
6 $70,320
7 $79,280
8 $88,240
9 $97,200
10 $106, 160
A list of non-profits processing applications can be found at:
https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4280063/WAP-PROVIDER%20DIRECTORY.pdf
Additional information is available at https://www.lhc.la.gov/weatherization-assistance-
program-wap or by contacting the Louisiana Housing Corporation at 225.763.8700.
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5) Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR)
HUD provides flexible grants to help communities recover from presidentially declared
disasters, especially in low-income areas, subject to availability of supplemental
appropriations. In response to presidentially declared disasters, Congress may appropriate
additional funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program as
Disaster Recovery grants to rebuild the affected areas and provide crucial seed money to start
the recovery process. Since CDBG Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) assistance may fund a
broad range of recovery activities, HUD can help communities and neighborhoods that
otherwise might not recover due to limited resources.
CDBG-DR funds are made available to states, units of general local governments, Indian
tribes, and insular areas designated by the President of the United States as disaster areas.
These communities must have significant unmet recovery needs and the capacity to carry out
a disaster recovery program (usually these are governments that already receive HOME or
CDBG allocations). At times, supplemental appropriations restrict funding solely to states
rather than the local cities and/or counties.
Grantees may use CDBG-DR funds for recovery efforts involving housing, economic
development, infrastructure and prevention of further damage to affected areas. Use of
CDBG-DR funding cannot duplicate funding available from the FEMA, the SBA, and the US
Army Corps of Engineers. A duplication occurs when a beneficiary receives assistance from
multiple sources for a cumulative amount that exceeds the total need for a particular recovery
purpose.
Examples of these activities include:
o Buying damaged properties in a flood plain and relocating residents to safer areas;
o Relocation payments for people and businesses displaced by the disaster;
o Debris removal not covered by FEMA;
o Rehabilitation of homes and buildings damaged by the disaster;
o Buying, constructing, or rehabilitating public facilities such as streets, neighborhood
centers, and water, sewer and drainage systems;
o Code enforcement;
o Homeownership activities such as down payment assistance, interest rate subsidies
and loan guarantees for disaster victims;
o Public services;
o Helping businesses retain or create jobs in disaster impacted areas; and
o Planning and administration costs (limited to no more than 20 percent of the grant).
The Governor has asked the President to request CDBG funding from Congress.
Recently Damaged Properties
If your property was previously damaged and repairs were not complete prior to the disaster, take
plenty of pictures if you have to demolition repairs before adjustor comes for inspection. Also
have your repair receipts ready.
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Substantially Damaged Properties
If your home has been substantially damaged, you may be required by your local floodplain
manager to elevate your home and bring it into compliance with the floodplain management plan
adopted by your parish or municipality. A local official will make this determination and grant
you a permit to rebuild.
A building is considered to be substantially damaged when the total “cost to repair” equals or
exceeds 50% of the pre damage market value of the structure. Some Parishes have adopted lower
standards. The cost of repairs includes an estimated fair market value for all donated labor and
materials and the cost of any repairs that are deferred to a future date. Land value is excluded
from this determination.
The local permitting official is responsible for making sure that all permits issued in a
community comply with minimum state and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
standards. A building permit is required from the local floodplain zoning authority to rebuild a
substantially damaged structure. However, the permitting official may require the
owner/applicant to supply necessary information to make a substantial damage determination.
The following assistance programs may be able to help pay for the cost of elevating their home:
1) Flood Insurance
All mortgage properties in a flood zone are required to have flood insurance. Flood insurance is
also a requirement for owners who have previously received federal disaster assistance from
FEMA or the SBA. Flood insurance policies include a provision known as Increased Cost of
Compliance (ICC). ICC is paid when the owner is required by the local officials to mitigate.
ICC can be used for:
Elevation. This raises the home or business to or above the flood elevation level adopted
by your community.
Relocation. This moves the home or business out of harm's way.
Demolition. This tears down and removes flood-damaged buildings.
Flood-proofing. This option is available primarily for non-residential buildings. It
involves making a building watertight through a combination of adjustments or additions
of features to the building that reduces the potential for flood damage.
Individuals may file a claim for ICC in two instances:
If the community determines that their homes or businesses are damaged by flood to the
point that repairs will cost 50% or more of the building's pre-damage market value.
If the community has a repetitive loss provision in its floodplain management ordinance
and determines that the homes or businesses were damaged by a flood two times in the
past 10 years, where the cost of repairing the flood damage, on the average, equaled or
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 45
exceeded 25% of its market value at the time of each flood. This is called repetitive
damage. Additionally, there must have been flood insurance claim payments for each of
the two flood losses.
Once a local community has made a substantial damage determination, you should contact your
insurance company or agent who wrote you policy to file an ICC claim.
2) SBA Disaster Assistance Loan
If your SBA Disaster Assistance Loan application is approved, you may be eligible for additional
funds to cover the cost of improvements that will protect their property against future damage
such as retaining walls, sump pumps, elevation, etc. Mitigation loan money would be in addition
to the amount of the approved loan, but may not exceed 20% of total amount of disaster damage
to the structure and improvements to a maximum of $200,000 for home loans and a maximum of
$2,000,000 for business loans. SBA approval of the mitigating measures will be required before
any loan increase.
3) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
GOHSEP will receive HMGP funding equal to 15% of the total disaster grants awarded by
FEMA. While Governor John Bel Edwards has expressed an interest to primarily use HMGP
funds from this disaster for flood control projects, he has stated that he is open to using some of
the funds for elevating and buying out structures. The HMGP process is long. There are still
HMGP projects from Katrina waiting to be completed.
FEMA can fund up to 75% of the eligible costs of each project. The state or grantee must
provide a 25% match, which can be fashioned from a combination of cash and in-kind sources.
The 25% is typically passed on to the owner. Funding from other federal sources cannot be used
for the 25% share with one exception. Funding provided to states under the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) can be used to meet the non-federal share requirement.
Traditionally, GOHSEP would divide the funds to the parishes and local communities affected
by the disaster. The parish or local community will choose owners for participation and submit
a grant request to GOHSEP with all of the properties they can afford to elevate. GOHSEP will
then submit the application to FEMA for final approval.
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Additional information is available at https://www.fema.gov/media-
library/assets/documents/103279.
4) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM)
This program is very similar to the HMGP. Similarly, GOHSEP is the applicant. Federal
funding is available for up to 75% of the eligible activity costs. Small, impoverished
communities may be eligible for up to a 90% Federal cost share. The remaining eligible
activity costs must be derived from non-Federal sources.
A small, impoverished community must:
i. Be a community of 3,000 or fewer individuals identified by the State as a rural
community that is not a remote area within the corporate boundaries of a larger city;
ii. Be economically disadvantaged, with residents having an average per capita annual
income not exceeding 80% of the national per capita income, based on best available
data. For the most current information, go to the Bureau of Economic Analysis
website at http://www.bea.gov;
iii. Have a local unemployment rate that exceeds by 1 percentage point or more the most
recently reported, average yearly national unemployment rate. For the most current
information, go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website at
http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.us.htm; and,
iv. Meet other criteria required by the applicant in which the community is located.
Additional information is available at http://www.fema.gov/media-library-
data/1455711373912-17d561db31cc299667dc5c60811165d1/FY16_PDM_Fact_Sheet.pdf
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5) Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program (FMA)
This program is similar to the HMGP and PDM; however, it is focused on mitigating
repetitive loss (RL) properties and severe repetitive loss (SRL) properties. Federal funding is
available for up to 75 percent of the eligible activity costs.
FEMA may contribute up to 100% Federal cost share for SRL properties. An SRL property
is a structure that:
a) Is covered by an NFIP policy; and,
b) Has incurred flood related damage
i. For which four or more separate claims payments (includes building and
contents) have been made under flood insurance coverage with the amount of
each such claim exceeding $5,000, and with the cumulative amount of such
claims payments exceeding $20,000, or
ii. For which at least two separate claims payments (includes only building) have
been made under such coverage, with the cumulative amount of such claims
exceeding the market value of the insured structure.
FEMA may contribute up to 90 percent Federal cost share for RL properties. An RL
property is a structure covered by a contract for flood insurance made available under the
NFIP that:
a) Has incurred flood-related damage on two occasions, in which the cost of the repair,
on the average, equaled or exceeded 25 percent of the market value of the structure at
the time of each such flood event; and,
b) At the time of the second incidence of flood-related damage, the contract for flood
insurance contains increased cost of compliance coverage.
Additional information is available at http://www.fema.gov/media-library-
data/1455710459301-048a67862580037b30cd640a802a9053/FY16_FMA_Fact_Sheet.pdf.
6) Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 203(k) Rehab Mortgage Insurance
Section 203(k) insures mortgages covering the purchase or refinancing and rehabilitation of a
home that is at least a year old. A portion of the loan proceeds is used to pay the seller, or, if
a refinance, to pay off the existing mortgage, and the remaining funds are placed in an
escrow account and released as rehabilitation is completed. The cost of the rehabilitation
must be at least $5,000, but the total value of the property must still fall within the FHA
mortgage limit for the area. The value of the property is determined by either (1) the value of
the property before rehabilitation plus the cost of rehabilitation, or (2) 110 percent of the
appraised value of the property after rehabilitation, whichever is less.
Many of the rules and restrictions that make FHA's basic single family mortgage insurance
product (Section 203(b)) relatively convenient for lower income borrowers apply. Lenders
may charge some additional fees, such as a supplemental origination fee, appraisal fee, fees
for preparation of architectural documents, and a fee to review of the rehabilitation plan.
The extent of the rehabilitation covered by Section 203(k) may range from relatively minor
(though exceeding $5000 in cost) to virtual reconstruction: a home that has been demolished
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 48
or will be razed as part of rehabilitation is eligible, provided that the existing foundation
system remains in place. Section 203(k) loans can finance the rehabilitation of the residential
portion of a property that also has non-residential uses; they can also cover the conversion of
a property of any size to a one- to four- unit structure. The types of improvements that
borrowers may make using Section 203(k) financing include:
structural alterations and reconstruction
modernization and improvements to the home's function
elimination of health and safety hazards
changes that improve appearance and eliminate obsolescence
reconditioning or replacing plumbing; installing a well and/or septic system
adding or replacing roofing, gutters, and downspouts
adding or replacing floors and/or floor treatments
major landscape work and site improvements
enhancing accessibility for a disabled person
making energy conservation improvements
HUD requires that properties financed under this program meet certain basic energy
efficiency and structural standards. Applications must be submitted through an FHA
approved lender.
Additional information is available at
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/203k/203k--df
7) USDA, Rural Development Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-
income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-
low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. The homeowner must live in
a qualifying rural area.
To qualify, you must:
Be the homeowner and occupy the house
Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
Have a family income below 50 percent of the area median income
For grants, be age 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan
Loans may be used to repair, improve or modernize homes or remove health and safety
hazards. Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards
The maximum loan is $20,000 and the maximum grant is $7,500. Loans and grants can be
combined for up to $27,500 in assistance
The terms of the loan or grant are:
Loans can be repaid over 20 years
Loan interest rate is fixed at 1%
Full title service is required for loans of $7,500 or more
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 49
Grants have a lifetime limit of $7,500
Grants must be repaid if the property is sold in less than 3 years
If applicants can repay part, but not all of the costs, applicants may be offered a loan
and grant combination
Additional information is available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-
family-housing-repair-loans-grants/la.
8) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The Governor may propose a plan to use CDBG funds to mitigate substantially damaged
properties. CDBG funds are not automatic and require authorization from Congress and the
President. The CDBG funds would be provided to the State to administer within the
parameters of the program proposed by the Governor.
Repairs to Damaged Land and Infrastructure
USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program
Through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can help communities address
watershed impairments that pose imminent threats to lives and property. If your land has
suffered damage due to flood, fire, drought, windstorm, or other natural occurrence, contact your
local authorities and/or your local NRCS office to find out if you qualify for the EWP program.
The program does not depend upon the declaration of a national emergency. All projects
undertaken through EWP, with the exception of the purchase of floodplain easements, must have
a project sponsor. Sponsors must be a legal subdivision of the State, such as a city, county,
general improvement district, or conservation district, or an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization
as defined in Section 4 of the Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
Sponsors are responsible for:
Providing land rights to do repair work;
Securing necessary permits;
Furnishing the local cost share;
Accomplishing the installation of work; and,
Performing any necessary operation and maintenance.
Through EWP, the NRCS may pay up to 75 percent of the construction costs of emergency
measures. Ninety percent may be paid for projects within limited-resource areas as identified by
U.S. Census data. The remaining costs must come from local sources and can be made in cash
or in-kind services.
All EWP projects must reduce threats to lives and property; be economically, environmentally,
and socially defensible; be designed and implemented according to sound technical standards;
and conserve natural resources.
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 50
The EWP program addresses watershed impairments, which include, but are not limited to:
Debris-clogged stream channels;
Undermined and unstable streambanks;
Jeopardized water control structures and public infrastructures;
Wind-borne debris removal; and,
Damaged upland sites stripped of protective vegetation by fire or drought.
Floodplain easements for restoring, protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the functions and
values of floodplains, including associated wetlands and riparian areas, are available through
EWP. These easements also help conserve fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, flood water
retention, and ground water recharge, as well as safeguard lives and property from floods,
drought, and erosion. EWP work is not limited to any one set of measures.
NRCS completes a Damage Survey Report that provides a case-by-case investigation of the
work necessary to repair or protect a site. NRCS will only provide funding for work that is
necessary to reduce applicable threats.
Sponsors that want to increase the level of protection in a particular project are responsible for
paying 100 percent of the costs of the desired upgrade and additional work.
FEMA Individual Assistance for Damaged Vehicles
If the flooding left you without a vehicle and you have unmet needs after auto insurance and the
SBA, you may qualify for FEMA to pay between $50 and $5,999 to repair your vehicle. To
receive more than $50 you will have to provide an estimate from a license mechanic detailing the
cost of flood related repairs. If the vehicle is totaled, you can may receive $6,000. Assistance
may also be available to help with the cost of public transportation.
Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents in Louisiana
Louisiana Driver’s Licenses: Phone: 888-214-5367
Website: http://omv.dps.state.la.us/
Birth and Death Certificates: Phone: 225-342-9500
Website: http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/635
Social Security Cards: Phone: 800-772-1213
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/
Bank Checks, ATM/Debit Cards or Safe Deposit Boxes:
Phone: 877-275-3342
Website: https://www.fdic.gov
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 51
Credit Cards – Contact the appropriate issuing institution: American Express: 800-327-1267
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/help/lost-stolen-card.html
Discover: 800-347-2683
https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/help-center/
MasterCard: 800-627-8372
https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/consumers/get-support.html
Visa: 800-847-2911
https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/lost-stolen-card.html
Insurance Documents: Phone: Check with your insurance agent.
Website: http://insurance.lawyers.com/natural-disasters/replacing-personal-documents-lost-
in-a-disaster.html
Real Estate and Property Records (Mortgage Documents, Deeds, etc.): Phone: Contact your agent.
http://insurance.lawyers.com/natural-disasters/replacing-personal-documents-lost-in-a-
disaster.html
Proof of Address/Residency: Contact your local utility company to obtain a recent bill.
Military Records:
Phone: 866-272-6272
Website: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
Medical and Prescription Records: Call your doctor; medical and prescription records are tracked electronically.
Medicare Cards: Phone: 800-772-1213
https://faq.ssa.gov/ics/support/kbanswer.asp?deptID=34019&task=knowledge&questionID=
3708
Tax Returns: Phone: 800-829-1040
Website: https://www.irs.gov/uac/About-Form-4506T
Credit Reports: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion
Phone: 877-322-8228
Website: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 52
U.S. Savings Bonds: Phone: 844-284-2676 (toll-free)
SNAP Cards (Food Stamps): Phone: 1-888-524-3578 Website: www.dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP
Passports: Phone: 877-487-2778
Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/lost-stolen.html
Green Cards:
Phone: 800-375-5283
Website: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/replace-green-card
Legal Assistance
Disaster Legal Services (DLS)
This program provides free legal help to low-income disaster survivors who aren’t able to
get adequate legal services to help with problems after a disaster. FEMA provides this
service through an agreement with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar
Association. Their help includes counseling and advice, referral to relevant legal
services, and legal representation in cases that don’t generate a fee. Cases that may have
a fee are turned over to the local lawyer referral service.
DLS can help with things like:
o Insurance claims for medical bills, loss of property, loss of life.
o New wills, powers of attorney, and other legal papers lost during the disaster.
o Home-repair contracts and contractors.
o Problems with landlords.
You can be referred to DLS by calling:
o 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
o TTY 1-800-462-7585
o 711 and VRS 1-800-621-3362
Paid Legal Services
Louisiana Bar Association and its local chapters offer Lawyer Referral Services.
Baton Rouge Area: (225) 344-9926
Lafayette Area: www.lafayettebar.org
Lake Charles Area: (337)436-2914
New Orleans Area: (504) 561-8828
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 53
Free (Pro Bono) Legal Services
Alexandria
Central Louisiana Pro Bono Project, Inc.
3600 Jackson Street
Ste. 126
Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone: (318) 449-9778
Fax: 318-449-5515
Legal Services of Central Louisiana
628 Murray Street
Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone: (318) 443-7281
Phone: (800) 256-4343
Web: http://www.la-law.org
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Bar Foundation Pro Bono Project
544 Main Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: 225-344-4803
Fax: 225-344-4805
Web: http://www.brba.org
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic
Violence
P.O. Box 77308
Baton Rouge, LA 70879
Phone: (225) 752-1296
Fax: (225) 751-8927
Web: http://www.lcadv.org
Baton Rouge Covington Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
715 St. Ferdinand St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Toll Free: (855) 512-3980
Local: (225) 448-0080
Fax: (225) 383-1197
Intake Line: (225) 448-0331
Web: http://www.slls.org
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
423 North Florida Blvd.
Covington, LA 70433
Phone: (985) 893-0076
Phone: (800) 891-0076
Web: http://www.slls.org
Franklin Hammond Acadiana Legal Service Corporation
P. O. Box 4823
Franklin, LA 70502
Phone: (337) 237-4320
Phone: (800) 256-1175
Web: http://www.la-law.org
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
1200 Derek Drive, Suite 100
Hammond, LA 70404
Phone: (985) 345-2130
Phone: (800) 349-0886
Web: http://www.slls.org
Lafayette
Acadiana Legal Services Corporation
1020 Surrey Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone: 337-237-4320
Phone: (800) 256-1175
Web: http://www.la-law.org
Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers 2607 Johnston Street
Lafayette, LA 70503
Phone: (337) 237-4700
Fax: (333) 237-0970
Web: http://www.lafayettebar.org/Lafayette-
Volunteer-Lawyers.html
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 54
Lake Charles
Southwest Louisiana Law Center
1011 Lakeshore Drive Magnolia Bldg., Suite
402
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone: (337) 436-3308
Phone: (800) 256-1955
$50 consultation fee and attorney discusses
financials with the client
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 55
Miscellaneous
The National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS)
NEFRLS helps reunite families separated by a disaster. The system is only activated to support
presidentially declared disasters that involve mass evacuation. If you’ve had to leave your home,
you can register and give details about your current location, as well as list any family members
traveling with you. You can also list up to seven people (guardians, friends, or family) you’ll
allow to get your information.
Anyone affected, or anyone who wants to get the status of friends or family, can register and
visit the NEFRLS website. You can also call the NEFRLS hotline to register or ask about
someone.
To get someone’s status, you must provide personal information about the person you’re looking
for, and you must be on their designee list.
To register with NEFRLS or to get someone's status:
o Call 1-800-588-9822, or
o Visit the FEMA NEFRLS page at https://egateway.fema.gov/inter/nefrls/home.htm.
American Red Cross Safe and Well
Similar to NEFRLS, Safe and Well allows individuals to register and search for family and
friends after a disaster. You can register or search at
https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php
Volunteer or Donations Opportunities
Individuals wishing to volunteer or donate items can register online at
http://www.volunteerlouisiana.gov/.
U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Change of Address
There are two ways you can change your address:
1. Visit the Official USPS Change of Address page.
You must:
Confirm your identity with a valid credit or debit card. A small charge will be
added to your account.
Have a valid email address.
2. Fill out and submit PS Form 3575, available at any U.S. Post Office.
You may then:
Take or mail the form to any U.S. Post Office.
Give it to any Postal Mail Carrier.
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 56
Contracting Opportunities
Contractors should contact the applicable Federal, State, Parish, or Local Government as well as
the applicable Non-Profit in need of the goods or services they are offering. Federal and State
Contracting and Public Bidding laws may apply. Red Cross has a Supplier Management
webpage on contracting with the at http://www.redcross.org/contact-us/becoming-a-supplier-or-
vendor
Debris Removal
Anyone interested in contracting for debris removal work with the applicable State, Parish, or
Local Government can add their name to FEMA’s Debris Removal Contractor Registry
(DRCR), FEMA offers DRCR as a one-stop database for Public Assistance applicants to
review in selecting a contractor. Inclusion in the database is not required or an endorsement
by FEMA. Additional information is available at
http://asd.fema.gov/inter/drcr/public/faq.htm
Federal Contracts
Anyone interested in open federal government contract opportunities should go to
http://www.fedbizopps.gov. You must already be registered in the Central Contractor
Registry (CCR) at www.ccr.gov. After completing the required elements, go to the Disaster
Response page (see “Optional Information” on the left had side of the page).
CCR Customer Service Contact Information
Phone: 1-888-227-2423
Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation are 9 - 5 (EST) Monday - Friday. Voice mail messages will be taken
if all lines are busy and all calls will be returned.
Federal Disaster contracts are primarily coordinated by the SBA and handled by
procurement employees from various federal agencies based on availability. They
primarily use previously identified contractors with proven records with government
contracts. Depending on the needs of the federal government, work may go out to
competition. See https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/disaster_contracting.pdf
FEMA’s contracting site is at http://femacontracts.com/. All vendors interested in doing
business with FEMA should send an e-mail to [email protected].
The Army Corps of Engineers also has its Disaster Resource Contractor Registry at
http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/DisasterEquip/ (firms must also be register in CCR).
Information in this registry will be used by the Corps offices that are looking for specific
goods or services during emergencies. Submission of information is voluntary.
Information will be considered For Official Use Only within the Federal government.
Submission of information to this registry DOES NOT expressly or implicitly commit the
Federal government to procurement of products or services. For any questions regarding
the Corps Contractor Registry, please email [email protected].
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SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, MD 57
State Disaster Contracts
GOHSEP has a list of its contracting opportunities listed at
http://gohsep.la.gov/RESOURCES/EMERGENCY-EVENT-PROCUREMENT
FEMA Manufactured Housing Units
Trailer park owners who wish to offer their parks for possible placement of MHUs can email
their information to [email protected]
Anyone interested in hauling and installing MHU may contact the SBA and the Corps. The
agencies are using existing government contractors with proven records, but may open it to
competition.
Reinterment
FEMA disaster assistance may be available for reinterment efforts in Louisiana cemeteries,
where floodwaters have dislodged or destroyed caskets, vaults, and mausoleums.
In privately owned cemeteries, assistance may be available if the costs are the legal
responsibility of an individual and not the cemetery. Individuals seeking assistance in a
privately owned cemetery should register at 800-621-3362.
For publicly owned cemeteries, assistance may be available through our Public Assistance
program which reimburses local governments for infrastructure repairs. The owner and/or
operator of the public cemetery must apply via louisianapa.com.
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Agriculture Assistance (Not Available At This Time)
Crop Insurance
Crop Insurance protects agricultural producers against crop losses due to natural perils. The
program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management
Agency (RMA), offers several plans for crops and livestock. Availability varies by state and
parish. To qualify for this program, you must be an agricultural farmer or rancher. To find
insurance companies and agents, visit the Crop Insurance Providers List. You can contact the
RMA at [email protected].
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
NAP offers payments to producers of eligible crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or
prevented planting occur due to a natural disaster. You may qualify if you’re a landowner,
tenant, or sharecropper who shares in the risk of producing an eligible crop. You must be
entitled to an ownership share of that crop. To qualify per the Agricultural Act of 2014, your
average adjusted gross income (AGI) limitation cannot exceed $900,000. Other terms and
conditions also apply.
Your crops must be commercially produced, agricultural commodity crops. The catastrophic
risk protection level of crop insurance must also not be available. NAP provides coverage equal
to:
o 50% of the approved yield, and
o 55% of the average market price.
Additional buy-up coverage is available in increments between:
o 50% to 65% of the approved yield, and
o 100% of the average market price.
Under the buy-up coverage, you may choose either or both of the options below:
o Historical Marketing Percentage Option
o Direct Market Option
You may also choose the organic market price for eligible crops. This is available under both the
50/55% coverage and the buy-up coverage. Eligible crops may be any of the following:
o Grown for food.
o Planted and grown for livestock use, like grain and forage crops, and native forage.
o Grown for fiber, like cotton and flax (except for trees).
o Grown in a controlled environment, like mushrooms and floriculture.
o Specialty crops, like honey and maple sap.
o Value loss crops, such as aquaculture, Christmas trees, ginseng, ornamental nursery and
turfgrass sod.
o Sea oats and sea grass
o Seed crops where the stock is produced for sale as seed stock for other eligible NAP crop
production.
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To find out if a crop qualifies for NAP coverage, you must contact the FSA office where your
farm records are kept.
An eligible natural disaster includes:
o Damaging weather, such as drought, freeze, hail, excessive moisture or wind, or
hurricanes.
o An event such as an earthquake or flood.
o A condition related to a natural event, such as excessive heat, plant disease, volcanic
smog (VOG), insect infestation.
o Any combination of these conditions.
The disaster must directly affect your crop and occur:
o During the coverage period, and
o Before or during harvest.
You must apply for coverage of non-insurable crops using Form CCC-471, Application for
Coverage at your local FSA office, and pay any service fees that apply. You must also file by
the application closing date set by your state FSA committee. You may also read the FSA's NAP
Program page to get more details.
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)
ELAP provides $20 million each fiscal year in emergency assistance to eligible producers. The
funds cover losses due to eligible weather or other events, like blizzards, disease (including cattle
tick fever), water shortages, and wildfires. ELAP covers losses that the 2014 Farm Bill doesn’t
cover under other Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Payment programs. These
other programs include the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Livestock
Indemnity Program (LIP).
ELAP covers:
o Livestock death losses.
o The costs of hauling water to livestock.
o Livestock feed and grazing losses.
o The cost associated with gathering livestock to be treated for cattle tick fever.
o Honeybee colony and hive losses.
o Honeybee feed losses.
o Farm-raised fish death and feed losses.
For more details and to find out how to apply, you can read the individual fact sheets found on
the ELAP page. You may also contact your local USDA Service Center or FSA office.
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Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)
ECP helps farmers and ranchers repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters. It also
helps to put methods in place for water conservation during severe drought. The ECP does this
with funding and assistance to repair the damage or to install the conservation methods. The
FSA Parish Committee inspects the damage to determine if your land qualifies for ECP.
Conservation problems that existed before the disaster or severe drought are not eligible. Check
with your local FSA office to find out about ECP sign-up periods set by the FSA Parish
Committee. To apply, contact your local USDA Service Center.
For your land to qualify for funds, the damage must create new conservation problems that, if not
dealt with, would:
o Further damage the land;
o Greatly affect the land’s productive capacity;
o Represent natural disaster damage that is unusual for the area (except damage from wind
erosion);
o Be too costly of a repair to return the land to production without federal help.
To rehabilitate farmland, you may carry out emergency conservation actions like:
o Remove debris from farmland;
o Restore livestock dung and conservation structures;
o Provide water for livestock during periods of severe drought.
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
LIP offers payments to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality
caused by bad weather. LIP also covers attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the
federal government or protected by federal law. This includes attacks by wolves and birds.
Excludes wild, free-roaming animals, or pets or animals used for recreational purposes, like for
hunting, roping, or show. LIP payments equal 75 percent of the livestock’s market value on the
day before the date of death. For more details, read the Livestock Indemnity Program fact sheet.
To qualify, you must have legally owned the eligible livestock on the day they died. The
livestock must also:
o Have died due to an eligible weather event, which occurred on or after Oct. 1, 2011, and
no later than 60 days from the end date of the event.
o Been raised for commercial use in a farming operation on the day they died.
Contract growers of poultry and swine are also eligible. You must have had possession and
control of the livestock and a written agreement with the livestock owner. The specific terms,
conditions, and obligations of both parties must be set.
To apply for payment, you must submit a notice of loss and an application at your local FSA
office. The notice of loss must be submitted:
o The earlier of 30 days of when the loss of livestock is known, or
o 30 days after the loss calendar year end.
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Tree Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP provides payments to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers after a natural
disaster. The funds may help you replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines
damaged by the disaster. For more details, visit the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) page.
Payments are based on:
o The lessor of 65% of the actual cost of replanting, in excess of 15 % mortality, and/or
o 50% of the actual cost of rehabilitation, in excess of 15% mortality, or
o The maximum eligible amount allowed for the practice by FSA.
Eligible trees, bushes, and vines are those that produce an annual commercial crop. Nursery trees
include ornamental, fruit, nut, and Christmas trees. Trees used for pulp or timber are not eligible.
You must:
o Have eligible losses caused by natural disaster.
o Have a mortality loss or damage in excess of 15% after adjustment for normal mortality
or damage.
o Have been unable to prevent the loss through any reasonable measures.
o Have owned the eligible trees, bushes, and vines at the time of the disaster, and
o Replace trees, bushes, and vines within 12months from the application approval date
You must submit applications to the FSA office that maintains your farm records. Applications
must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster or the date when the loss is found
Farm Service Agency Emergency Loan Program
Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and
property losses, excluding primary residence. Contact local USDA Service Center to apply and
for more information.
Louisiana FSA State Office
3737 Government Street
Alexandria, LA 71302
(318)473-7721
